Good Morning

This morning I awake and remember that there will be someone who needs to see a smiling face, and I have the opportunity to be that face. There will be a song to sing, and I could sing it. Someone may need just a word of encouragement, and I could provide it. The grass is still green, even though it’s August, and children are still laughing, so it’s a good morning.

the quality of the laughter

Laughter can be healing. We all know that, but it never ceases to amaze me. It’s a healing that takes place from the inside out, working on our hearts, relaxing our muscles, soothing our minds. I would even say that worship is in our laughter; it is something sacred. Thank you God, for creating something so beautiful, powerful, life-giving.

and now for a word from Sara

I love the music of Sara Groves. She has special insight into the human soul. One of her songs has been running through my head: In the Girl There’s a Room

In the girl is a song

In the song there is hope

in the hope there's defiance...

Tell me what you know

About God and the world and the human soul

How so much can be wrong

and still there are songs

In their hearts and souls

an unstoppable refrain

Hope stands/sings in defiance

What a beautiful picture she paints here. In God’s grace we find that even when it seems that so much in us and in the world is wrong, God still sings songs into our hearts and souls.

So, Jesus and Michael Vick walk into a bar...

No, not really. Jesus prefers pubs. I wavered on whether to write about Michael Vick's signing with the Eagles. I mean, everyone else is talking about it, do I really need to add my voice to the conversation?

Yes, yes I do.

So, here it is.

Worship this week a little taste of heaven

I spent most of worship this Sunday morning in tears. I have visited some very friendly, hospitable churches, but never have I felt so overwhelmed by a spirit of love and acceptance as I was at Spirit of Hope MCC. This is a congregation I will visit again when my weekly church highlight takes me to Saturday worship elsewhere (as my week at the synagogue will).

Read my full review here.

Good-bye John Hughes, the muse of Gen X

John Hughes passed away today at the tragically young age of 59. He left behind a number of films which defined an entire generation. Works include "Pretty in Pink," "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and, of course, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," a film that teaches us more about life than they ever did in high school.

Read my entire article here.

Corazon Aquino, Eric Schmidt and Impossible Dreams

Ok, so I have three new articles on my examiner site, and you won't want to miss a single one.

1.The latest church highlight is of All Souls Unitarian Church. I've had so many people ask me, "What is a Unitarian, anyway," that I think this should be especially informative.

2. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, resigned from the Apple Board of Directors. Ok, so a few days ago, I had never heard of Schmidt, it's true, but it turns out this is a really big deal, and may speak to us about what to do with our own inner struggles.

3. Corazon Aquino- what a woman! She changed the political landscape of the Philippines, and teaches a valuable lesson about pursuing dreams. May she rest in peace.